Materials
CNC Turning Services
“High-quality custom turned parts made from metal and plastic with tight tolerances down to ±0.005mm. From rapid prototyping to high-volume production, delivered on time.”
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CNC Turning Services | Precision Turned Parts for Prototypes & Production
From simple shafts and bushings to complex precision components, our CNC turning service produces custom metal and plastic parts with reliable repeatability. We support prototyping, low-volume orders, and production runs with turning, live tooling, secondary operations, surface finishing, and inspection services—all managed in one workflow.
Our Turning Options
- CNC Lathe — Precision prototypes with ±0.005mm tolerance. Ideal for aerospace, medical, and R&D projects requiring high precision; suitable for low- to medium-volume projects.
- Automatic Lathe — Ideal for high-volume orders (general tolerance ±0.01mm). Streamlined production of fittings and bushings with consistent, cost-effective output.
Advantages of CNC Turning
- Efficient for Rotational Parts — Highly efficient for shafts, pins, bushings, fittings, and other round or symmetrical components.
- High Repeatability — Program-controlled machining maintains consistent dimensions from prototype through production.
- Smooth Cylindrical Surfaces — Excellent roundness and surface quality with minimal secondary work.
- Broad Material Compatibility — From aluminum and stainless steel to high-performance plastics.
- Scalable Production — One-off prototypes, low-volume validation, and repeat production.
- Flexible Part Complexity — Live tooling combines turning, drilling, milling, tapping, and cross-hole machining in one process.
Materials for CNC Turning
Plastics
| Material | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ABS (Beige, Black, Milky White, PC+ABS) | Lightweight, good resistance to heat and impact | Consumer products, fixtures, enclosures, display components |
| PC (Black, Transparent, White, PC+GF30 Black) | Transparent, high impact resistance, durable | Protective gear, housings |
| Acrylic (Black, Transparent, White) | High transparency, weather resistance | Optical lenses, display stands, medical devices |
| POM (Black, Blue, White) | High strength & rigidity, low friction, good dimensional stability | Bushings, gears, rollers, fluid-handling parts |
| PP (Black, White, PP+GF30 Black) | Low density, high flexural strength, good chemical resistance | Automotive parts, container shells |
| Nylon (Blue, PA6+GF15 Black, PA6+GF30 Black, PA66 Beige, PA66 Black) | Excellent wear & corrosion resistance, shock absorption | Spacers, rollers, functional prototypes, mechanical components |
| Teflon (Black, White) | Outstanding chemical resistance, low friction, wide operating temperature | Seals, valve seats, chemical-handling components, insulating parts |
| PEEK (Beige, Black) | High temperature resistance, strength, excellent biocompatibility | Spacers, rollers, functional prototypes, mechanical components |
Metals
| Material | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (6061, 6061-T6, 2024, 5052, 5083, 6063, 6082, 7075, 7075-T6) | Lightweight, excellent machinability | Housings, adapters, camera parts, automation components, aerospace fixtures |
| Stainless Steel (SUS303, SUS 304, AISI 304, SUS316, SUS316L, SUS420, SUS430) | Corrosion resistance, high strength & hardness | Fittings, valves, medical components, marine hardware, food-processing parts |
| Steel (1018, 1045, 4140, 4130, 8620, A36, 45) | High tensile strength, durability | Shafts, gears, mechanical parts, industrial tooling, machine components |
| Copper (C101/T2, C103/T1, C103/TU2, C110/TU0) | Superior electrical & thermal conductivity, great ductility | Electrical terminals, heat-transfer parts, conductive connectors |
| Brass (C27400, H59) | Durable, excellent cutting performance, low friction | Connectors, fittings, valves, inserts, decorative components |
| Titanium (TA1, TA2, TC4/Ti-6Al-4V) | Highest strength-to-density ratio, corrosion & fatigue resistance | Aerospace components, medical devices, high-performance equipment |
Surface Finishing
| Finish | Specification | Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| As Machined | Surface roughness Ra 3.2 μm and Ra 1.6 μm without additional finishing | Fast and cost-effective; visible tool marks may remain |
| Anodizing | Type II and Type III, thickness 8–12 μm to 35–50 μm | Improved corrosion and wear resistance; color options available |
| Sand Blasting | Sizes from #120 to #220 | Uniform matte appearance; reduces visible machining marks |
| Alodine | MIL-DTL-5541 Type 1 & Type 2, thickness 0.00001–0.00004 inches, clear color | Promotes corrosion resistance, paint adhesion, and electrical conductivity |
| Powder Coating | Thickness 50–150 μm, various color options | Durable color layer and corrosion protection |
| Heat Treatment | Hardening, tempering, annealing, normalizing; overall hardness 48–62 HRC | Enhanced mechanical properties—hardness, strength, and durability |
Applications of CNC Turning
| Industry | Typical Parts |
|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | Lightweight fittings, precision pins, actuator parts, instrument housings |
| Automotive | Shafts, connectors, sensor housings, bushings, brake and drivetrain components |
| Medical Devices | Ergonomic surgical instruments, imaging hardware enclosures |
| Robotics & Industrial Automation | Motor shafts, couplings, rollers, end-effectors, grippers, positioning components |
| Consumer Products | Camera components, audio hardware, sports equipment, premium metal accessories |
| Energy & Fluid Control | Pump parts, valve components, hydraulic fittings, sealing interfaces |
Design Tips for Cost-Effective Turned Parts
- Keep the Geometry Turning-Friendly — Design around cylindrical or rotational features when possible.
- Specify Only Critical Tolerances — Tight tolerances increase inspection and machining time; apply them only to fit-, function-, or assembly-critical dimensions.
- Consider Material Form — Bar stock is an efficient starting point; selecting a practical stock diameter reduces machining time and waste.
FAQ
Can CNC turning produce parts with flats and cross holes?
Yes. With live tooling, many turned parts can include flats, slots, radial holes, axial holes, and other secondary machined features.
What materials are best for CNC turning?
Aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, copper, titanium, POM, nylon, PEEK, and PTFE are common options. The best choice depends on your strength, corrosion, weight, temperature, and budget requirements.
What tolerances can CNC turning achieve?
Tolerance capability depends on material, part size, geometry, and inspection method. Share your drawing with our team so we can confirm critical tolerances before production.
Can you make prototype and production turned parts?
Yes. CNC turning is suitable for one-off prototypes, small batches, and repeat production orders.
Can surface finishing affect threads or tight fits?
Yes. Coatings and treatments can affect dimensions. Please identify thread, sealing, and mating surfaces so appropriate allowances or masking can be considered.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We specialize in multi-axis CNC machining (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis) and can achieve standard tolerances of ±0.02mm (±0.001″), with tighter tolerances available upon request. We work with a wide range of metals and engineering plastics.
We accept STEP, IGES, X_T, SLDPRT, and DWG/DXF files. 2D drawings with critical dimensions and tolerances are highly recommended alongside 3D files for accurate and efficient quotation.
Lead time depends on part complexity and order quantity. Standard prototypes can be delivered in 5-10 business days. For production runs, typical lead time is 2-4 weeks. Rush services are available for urgent projects.
Yes. We offer a full suite of post-processing services including anodizing, powder coating, plating, polishing, sandblasting, heat treatment, and assembly. We can deliver parts ready for final use.
We implement strict quality control at every stage: from material certification, in-process inspections (IPQC) to final quality checks using tools like CMM, calipers, and micrometers. First Article Inspection (FAI) reports and material certifications are provided with shipments.
Client IP protection is our top priority. We are willing to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and have secure data management systems in place. Your drawings and designs will never be shared with third parties.
Reliable CNC Machining Solutions
We focus on delivering high-quality CNC machined parts with efficient production to meet your exact requirements.